Abstract:
Studies and reports indicate that insecurity for children exists in schools arising from inappropriate physical facilities. The purpose of this study was to find out challenges facing the implementation of the physical facilities safety policy in public primary schools in Nandi Central District. The objectives that guided the study were: to establish cases of insecurity, assess the degree to which schools adhere to the safety policy, evaluate the methods applied to ensure the safety of learners and determine the roles of head teachers in ensuring the implementation of the physical facilities safety policy in public primary schools. The study was based on the “Domino theory” of safety theories as modeled by H.W Heinrich (2002) which identifies cases of accidents and how to prevent them. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The targeted population comprised the head teachers, teachers, quality assurance and standards officer (DQASO) and the parents‟ representatives. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select 45 schools to participate in the study. This was 30% of 152 public primary schools in Nandi district . All the 45 head teachers and one education officer were purposively selected. A total of 90 teachers in charge of school physical facilities and 45 parents‟ representatives were selected using simple random sampling techniques. In collecting data, questionnaire, interview and observation schedules were used. Data was both qualitative and quantitative. Results were presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages and bar graphs. The findings of the study revealed that the implementation of the safety policy was not fully adhered to. The challenges influencing the implementation process included: inadequate funds, time, capacity building, transport and coordination, lack of training and awareness on safety and poor management and maintenance. Further, protective gadgets like fire extinguishers and lightning arrestors were not in place. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that: MOE and policy makers come up with adjustments that will make schools safe zones for learning. In addition, close monitoring be beefed up in order to make the head teachers ensure that facilities are available, adequate, and well managed. This study is significant in that it will help the education stakeholders and policy makers adopt strategies that will promote adherence to the safety policy in schools.
